1999: Protesters Clash with Police at WTO Meeting in Seattle
On this day in 1999, approximately 40,000 demonstrators gathered in Seattle to protest against the World Trade Organization (WTO) as its delegates convened for a global trade summit. The protests, which focused on labor rights, environmental concerns, and globalization, escalated into violent clashes with police. This marked a pivotal moment in anti-globalization movements worldwide, bringing unprecedented attention to the perceived inequalities of global trade policies and the role of multinational corporations.
1936: London’s Crystal Palace Destroyed by Fire
In 1936, the iconic Crystal Palace exhibition hall in London, a symbol of Victorian innovation and architectural achievement, was consumed by a massive fire. Originally built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, the structure had become a cultural and historical landmark. Its loss was widely mourned and highlighted concerns about the preservation of historical monuments, prompting efforts to protect other structures of cultural significance.
1993: The Brady Bill Signed into Law
President Bill Clinton signed the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act into law in 1993, introducing a mandatory five-day waiting period and background checks for handgun purchases. Named after James Brady, who was injured in the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan, the law marked a significant milestone in U.S. gun control legislation. The bill was a response to rising gun violence and underscored the ongoing national debate over Second Amendment rights versus public safety measures.
2004: Ken Jennings’ “Jeopardy!” Winning Streak Ends
Ken Jennings’ record-breaking 74-game winning streak on *Jeopardy!* ended on this day in 2004 when he was defeated by Nancy Zerg, a real estate agent. Jennings’ winnings of over $2.5 million set a new benchmark in television quiz show history, revolutionizing the public perception of trivia competitions and solidifying the show’s cultural relevance.
2012: Israel Approves Controversial Settlement Expansion
A day after the United Nations recognized Palestinian statehood, Israel approved the construction of 3,000 new homes in Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria. The move drew swift condemnation from Palestinians and the international community, escalating tensions in an already fragile peace process. The decision underscored the deep divisions over territory and sovereignty in the region, which remain central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
2018: Former President George H.W. Bush Dies at 94
Former President George H.W. Bush passed away in Houston at the age of 94 in 2018. A World War II naval aviator and diplomat, Bush served as the 41st President of the United States, leaving a legacy of pragmatic leadership during the Cold War’s end. His death came just months after that of his wife, Barbara Bush, with whom he shared a 73-year marriage, the longest of any presidential couple. His passing marked the end of an era, with tributes highlighting his lifelong dedication to public service and bipartisanship.
2022: Hakeem Jeffries Becomes First Black Party Leader in Congress
On this day in 2022, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries made history as the first Black American elected to lead a major political party in Congress. His election signaled a generational shift within the Democratic Party as Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her leadership team stepped aside after decades of influence. Jeffries’ ascension was celebrated as a milestone for diversity in U.S. politics, reflecting the evolving demographics and priorities of the nation.
Today in History: December 4
Today in History: December 4:
On Dec. 4, 1991, after being abducted and held for nearly seven years as a hostage by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon,Terry Anderson was released from captivity.
In 1783, Gen. George Washington bade farewell to his Continental Army officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York.
In 1969, Fred Hampton and Mark Clark of the Black Panther Party were shot and killed during a raid by Chicago police.
Today in History: December 3
Excerpts:Today in History: December 3:
In 1947, the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway.
In 2015, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the armed services to open all military jobs to women.
Today in History: December 2
Today in History: December 2:
In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France in a coronation ceremony at Notre Dame de Paris cathedral.
In 2018, Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on bribery charges, adding to a growing collection of legal troubles for the longtime leader.
Today in History: December 1
Today in History: December 1:
In 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus.
In 1824, the presidential election was turned over to the House of Representatives after none of the candidates (John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay) won over 50% of the electoral vote.
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